CD index print label

ABSTRACT

An index print of photographic images is created on a CD containing digital data representing those images. Photographic images are digitized to produce digital image data which is stored on the CD. This digital image data is also used to create an index print containing thumbnail images of all of the photographs stored on the CD. The index print is then affixed to the top surface of the CD either by being printed on a label that is adhered to the disk surface, or by being printed directly on the surface of the disk.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] None.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention involves compact disk (CD) labels, specifically index print labels for CDs that are used to store photographs.

[0003] Recent technology makes it possible to digitize and store photographic images on digital media such as compact disks (CDs). Problems arise when a user wishes to find a particular photographic image on a CD. Unlike the negatives of the past, it is not possible to determine by looking at the disk which photographs are stored on it. When a user has several CDs with 24 or 36 images on each, it is difficult and time consuming to locate a specific image.

[0004] Though it is possible to get a small print containing thumbnail images and put this print in the jewel case that holds the CD. many times a CD becomes separated from its jewel case. In some instances, CDs are not stored in jewel cases at all but rather in other types of CD holders which contain only a place for the CD, but not any accompanying information or literature that goes along with it. In other instances, the CD is taken out of its jewel case but not returned to it, or returned to the wrong one.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] This invention consists of a CD containing several photographic images. To aid the user in identifying which images are stored on what CD, an index print label is created. The index print label contains thumbnail images representing each photograph appearing on the CD. The individual images are identified by number to aid the user in locating that particular photograph on the disk.

[0006] In creating the index print label, the process begins with digitizing the photographic images to produce digital image data. This image data is then stored on the CD The image data is also used to create an index print. The index print is then printed on a sticker that is adhered to the CD. Alternatively, the index print can be printed directly onto the CD.

[0007] The CD index print label is shaped so that it can be placed on top of the CD without interfering with the CD's center ring. The label can also be shaped so that it does not cover the entire surface of the CD, leaving space for other indicia, such as company name, telephone number, or address.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008]FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a photographic CD with a CD index print label.

[0009]FIG. 2 is a flow diagram showing the process for creating a CD index print label.

[0010]FIG. 3 is an illustration of one embodiment of the CD index print label showing a top view of the index print label.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011]FIG. 1 shows a photo CD 20 with a CD index print label 26. The photo CD 20 is so called because it stores photographic images. The photographic images have been digitized to produce digital image data, either by scanning a photograph or film negative or by using a digital camera. The index print label 26 consists of thumbnail images 28 that are numbered with an image number 32. The thumbnail images 28 correspond to the photographic images appearing on the photo CD 20, with each image 28 representing certain digital image data on the photo CD 20. The image number 32 aids the user in finding that photographic image on the photo CD 20 in that the image number 32 corresponds to the location of the digital image data representing that photographic image.

[0012] The label 26 does not touch or cover inner ring 22 or center hole 24 of photo CD 20, so the photo CD 20 remains fully functional. Furthermore, the index print label 26 is on the top surface 34 of the photo CD 20 so that the bottom readable surface 36 remains usable. The images 28 are oriented so that a user can easily view them all when holding the photo CD 20. The label does not cover all of the CD's top surface 34, so that space is left for other indicia 30, such as name, phone number or address.

[0013]FIG. 2 shows a flow diagram explaining the process of making CD index print label 26. First step 10 is digitizing images to produce digital image data. Second step 12 is storing the digital image data on a digital disk medium, such as a CD. Third step 14 is formatting the digital image data to form an index print. The index print label 26 is shaped to fit the CD and thus in formatting the index print, the images 28 must be sized and arranged to fit on the label 26.

[0014] Fourth step 16 is providing the images on the CD's top surface 34. This can be done either by printing the label directly onto the CD's top surface 34, or by printing a sticker that can be attached to the CD's top surface 34. When printing the label directly onto the CD's top surface 34, the formatted digital image data is sent to a printer capable of printing on a CD. One such printer is the Cedar Desktop CD/R Publisher. The printer prints the index label and the CD is dispensed for use. When printed as a sticker, the formatted digital image data is likewise sent to a printer. The printer used can be an ink jet printer, or similar machine, capable of printing at least 300 dpi. The printer is provided with sticker label material, most likely some form of paper with an adhesive coating on the bottom surface, and the sticker label is printed. The sticker label is then applied to the CD.

[0015]FIG. 3 shows one embodiment where the sticker label is self adhesive. The sticker label 40 has precut edges 46 that allow the label 40 to be peeled from backing 42. An adhesive layer 44 on the bottom surface of the label 40 allows label 40 to be adhered to the top of a photo CD 20. There are many options for this adhesive layer commonly known to those skilled in the art. The sticker label material must be thin enough to prevent an affixed label from affecting the performance of the CD in disk drives. There are also many options for the sticker label 40 material and backing 42 commonly known to those skilled in the art.

[0016] Thus, the present invention is an improvement in the art in that it provides for making a label containing an index print and placing it directly onto the CD. In this manner, the index print never gets separated from the CD.

[0017] Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. A method for creating a CD index print label comprising: digitizing photographic images to produce digital image data; storing the digital image data on a digital disk medium; providing, on a disk surface of the digital disk medium, images based upon the digital image data, so that the images represent contents stored on the digital disk medium.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the surface images are provided by printing them directly on the disk surface.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein the surface images are provided by printing on a label sticker and adhering the label sticker to the disk surface.
 4. A photo CD comprising: a CD containing digital image data representing a plurality of photographic images; an array of printed images on a surface of the CD, the printed images corresponding to the plurality of photographic images represented by the digital image data stored on the CD.
 5. The photo CD of claim 4 wherein the array of printed images representing the plurality of photographic images is printed directly onto the surface of the CD.
 6. The photo CD of claim 4 wherein the array of printed images representing the plurality of photographic images is printed on a label sticker that is then affixed to the surface of the CD.
 7. The photo CD of claim 4 wherein each image in the array contains an image number which corresponds to a location of the digital image data on the CD. 